Minimalist Ultralight Travel Packing Portugal
Main bag: Nebula 32 L Commuter Backpack. I chose this pack for this trip because Portugal is hilly with cobblestone streets. I did not want to have to roll any bag on this trip, not even a rolling backpack.
Foldaway secondary bag: Cotopaxi Taal Convertible Tote Bag 16L
I always carry a secondary bag just in case the main bag breaks. This has happened to me quite a few times traveling when I only bring one bag. Everything fits in the secondary bag, as you can see.
Packed weight of the Nebula: 10 lbs
The overall point of minimalist travel is freedom of mobility and ultimate flexibility. I avoid carrying heavy luggage as much as possible.
I never have to worry about:
- lost luggages
- waiting in baggage claim
- having a place to stash my luggage before or after check-in.
- restricted in movement—such as having to backtrack to my prior lodging to pick up my luggage after a day out (after checkout time) before heading to my next destination. I can explore with my one bag.
- running to catch a train, because I can run faster with a light backpack.
I am packing for rainy fall-to-light winter weather.
I am washing my quick-dry clothes every night.
Everything stated here is packable, lightweight, and quick-dry.
Function > Fashion
Things not included in the pack (I am wearing them):
pants—multi-pocket, water repellent, jogger style, packs real small
shirt—loose, low back, perfect for hot/humid weather, can be use for yoga or night out
button-up shirt - multi pocket
underwear
Here is a breakdown of the contents of my pack:
Large Packing Cube: (clothing)
Small Cube: (electronics)
extra battery for the action cam
Small tube case: (miscellaneous items)
mints
floss
pen
pencil
eraser
lotion
lip balm
hand sanitizer
comb
tweezers
toothbrush
toothpaste
small mirror
sunscreen
moisturizer
deodorant
Loose Items in the Nebula Backpack:
Cotopaxi Taal 16L Tote—it's a convertible bag that can be used as a shoulder/crossbody bag or as a backpack. You can roll it up and put it inside the backpack. This versatile bag is light enough but more durable than your typical packable bags and can serve as an extra bag, shopping bag, or day bag.
puff jacket - 650 fill down (because down packs smaller than synthetic)
mini Sudoku book (this guarantees I will never be bored)
Wallet: (the obvious)
Passport
card
cash
AND THAT IS LITERALLY ALL OF IT!
Every time I travel I don't necessarily bring the same items, because it is never the same travel and experience. The point is to minimize what I bring to 10 lbs or less so that I can carry my pack comfortably just in case I end up walking too far with it.
If I need something, I will just buy it. I find it pleasant to visit the local shops and grocery stores. That is actually rare.
What I have had to buy in the past:
Running shoes in Vienna: I tried to be fashionable and brought a nice pair of boots instead, and as you know, I do not bring a second pair of shoes EVER.
Scarf in Chefchaouen: because I did not plan to go somewhere cold but ended up going anyway.
Beanie in Valentia: same reason as above.
liquids that run out eventually if I am travelling more than 1 month.
I did not see this as a hassle but as a nice experience to try to find these things in a foreign place.
If you are struggling to pack light, you don't have to be this extreme, but this can be a nice guide to start with, and just add your own flair.
I have included affiliate links here that give me a tiny insignificant commission in the event that you choose to purchase the product through my links. I also have a list of travel items in my Amazon store.
I thank you in advance, and happy travels!
Pam
